Nutritive delivery system

ABSTRACT

A system for dispensing a nutritive source is described. The system includes a collapsible pouch configured for holding a culinary mix and a push-pull cap comprising a flow chamber disposed between the collapsible pouch and an opening of the push-pull cap and configured for being coupled with the collapsible pouch, and when the collapsible pouch is squeezed, the flow chamber for receiving the culinary mix from the collapsible pouch and for dispensing the received culinary mix.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of theco-pending patent application Ser. No. 14/191,840, Attorney docketnumber CHEL-001, entitled “Nutritive Delivery System,” with filing dateof Feb. 27, 2014, assigned to the assignee of the present applicationand hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, packaged energy bars and energy/sport drinks are designedto provide nutrients to an athlete in the time period surrounding anathletic performance.

At the same time, however, the logistics of eating energy bars during anathletic performance can create several problems for the athlete. First,it is difficult for an athlete to remain focused and sustain aconsistent performance level while trying to unwrap and consume anenergy bar, followed by the proper disposal of the wrapper. This effortcan be distracting to the athlete and reduce his/her performance level.Second, the wrapper may not have resealing attributes that can makestoring a remaining portion of the energy bar for subsequent consumptionproblematic. Further, an energy bar may provide only some of the keyvitamins and nutrients desired by an athlete, while delivering unneededand/or unwanted calories in trying to satisfy the desired nutrientintake level. Moreover, many energy snacks that are designed forathletes require the use of both hands for consumption. This can presenta problem for athletes participating in activities that require the useof at least one hand much of the time, such as cycling, race cardriving, etc.

Consuming energy/sport drinks while performing an athletic event canalso cause problems for the athlete. For example, awkwardly carrying anempty container or water bottle during an athletic performance isinconvenient and difficult. Moreover, during and after a long race or aparticularly strenuous activity, an athlete may prefer to eat a meal inaddition to or rather than drink a liquid to replace lost and vitalnutrients.

Thus, the traditional methods by which athletes fortify themselvesbefore, during, and after a sporting event has presented many problemsand undesirable outcomes.

SUMMARY

One aspect of a system for dispensing a nutritive source is disclosed.The system includes a culinary mix that includes a blended food, acollapsible pouch configured for holding the blended food, and apush-pull cap configured for being coupled with the collapsible pouch.When the collapsible pouch is squeezed, the push-pull cap is configuredfor receiving the culinary mix from the collapsible pouch and fordispensing the received culinary mix.

An aspect of a device for dispensing a nutritive source is disclosed.The device includes a push-pull cap that is configured for beingattached onto a portion of a straw disposed at least partially within acollapsible pouch. The push-pull cap includes: an inner piece; and anouter piece. The inner piece is configured for receiving a culinary mixfrom the collapsible pouch when the collapsible pouch is squeezed. Theinner piece includes: an inner surface; and an outer surface. The innersurface includes an inner piece attachment mechanism disposed thereonand configured for coupling with said collapsible pouch upon applicationof the inner piece attachment mechanism to a straw attachment mechanismdisposed on the portion of the straw. The outer piece is axiallyslidably engaged with the outer diameter of the inner piece. The outerpiece is configured for, upon sliding over the outer surface of theinner piece, enabling the push-pull cap to achieve one of an openposition and a closed position. When the collapsible pouch is squeezedand the push-pull cap is in the open position, the open position enablesa dispensation of the culinary mix (that was received from thecollapsible pouch) through a dispensation passageway disposed at anupper end of the outer piece.

An aspect of a method for manufacturing a system for dispensing anutritive source is disclosed. The method for manufacturing includes:providing a culinary mix that includes a blended food; providing acollapsible pouch configured for holding the culinary mix; and providinga push-pull cap configured for being attached onto a portion of a strawdisposed at least partially within the collapsible pouch. The push-pullcap includes: an inner piece; and an outer piece. The inner piece isconfigured for receiving a culinary mix from the collapsible pouch whenthe collapsible pouch is squeezed. The inner piece includes: an innersurface; and an outer surface. The inner surface includes an inner pieceattachment mechanism disposed thereon and configured for coupling withsaid collapsible pouch upon application of the inner piece attachmentmechanism to a straw attachment mechanism disposed on the portion of thestraw. The outer piece is axially slidably engaged with the outerdiameter of the inner piece. The outer piece is configured for, uponsliding over the outer surface of the inner piece, enabling thepush-pull cap to achieve one of an open position and a closed position.When the collapsible pouch is squeezed and the push-pull cap is in theopen position, the open position enables a dispensation of the culinarymix (that was received from the collapsible pouch) through adispensation passageway disposed at an upper end of the outer piece.

An aspect of a system for dispensing a nutritive source is disclosed.The system includes a collapsible pouch configured for holding aculinary mix and a push-pull cap comprising a flow chamber disposedbetween the collapsible pouch and an opening of the push-pull cap andconfigured for being coupled with the collapsible pouch, and when thecollapsible pouch is squeezed, the flow chamber for receiving theculinary mix from the collapsible pouch and for dispensing the receivedculinary mix.

It is understood that other embodiments will become readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following detailed description,wherein various embodiments are shown and described by way ofillustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other anddifferent embodiments and its several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddetailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, andnot by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view showing a system for dispensing anutritive source, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view showing a collapsible pouch with atraditional cap screwed thereon.

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view showing a collapsible pouch with apush-pull cap screwed onto the neck of the collapsible pouch, inaccordance with embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a side perspective view showing a push-pull cap breakablysealed onto a neck of the collapsible pouch, in accordance withembodiments.

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view showing a collapsible pouch with anattached neck, and a sectional view of a straw coupled to the neck, inaccordance with embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a side sectional view showing a collapsible pouch with anattached neck, and a sectional view of a push-pull cap placed over theneck, the push-pull cap being in a closed position, in accordance withembodiments.

FIG. 3C is a side sectional view showing a push-pull cap and acollapsible pouch with a straw, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 3D is a side sectional view showing a collapsible pouch with astraw, including a neck of the straw, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a collapsible pouch with anattached neck, and a sectional view of a push-pull cap placed over theneck, the push-pull cap being in an open position, in accordance withembodiments.

FIG. 5A is a side sectional view showing an inner piece of a push-pullcap, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a top perspective view showing an inner piece of a push-pullcap, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view showing a collapsible pouch and apouring means for delivering a culinary mix into the collapsible pouchvia the neck coupled to the collapsible pouch, in accordance withembodiments.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view showing a culinary mix dispenser, inaccordance with embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example method 800 for manufacturing asystem for dispensing a nutritive source, in accordance withembodiments.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary outer piece of a nutrientdelivery system in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary inner piece of a nutrientdelivery system in accordance with embodiments.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as notbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of thepresent invention and is not intended to represent the only embodimentsin which the present invention may be practiced. Each embodimentdescribed in this disclosure is provided merely as an example orillustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Traditionally, athletes eat packaged energy bars, sport goods, andenergy/sport drinks containing vitamins, carbohydrates, electrolytes,etc. to replace nutrients lost during an athletic performance and/or toincrease their energy and stamina during the performance. However,current energy food and drinks do not always provide the athlete withevery nutrient that is needed to enable the athlete's optimalperformance or to satisfy the athlete's emotional needs. Packaged energysnacks may not always satisfy an athlete's hunger or provide the desiredenergy boost or nutrients required. Further, consuming traditionalenergy food and drinks during a sporting event is difficult due to thepackaging delivery system associated with traditional energy/sportfoods. For example, an energy bar requires an athlete to tear open apackage in order to access the food within. The athlete may try to tearthe package open with his hands or teeth, and may not accomplish thistask in a manner that makes eating the food easy during the athleticperformance. Thus, while already an unwelcome distraction for theathlete, he/she may also not even be able to ingest the food quickly, ifat all, due to the manner in which the athlete is required to open thepackage. For example, eating energy bars during a performance requirespeeling a wrapper and discarding the resultant trash, which could createa distraction and reduce the athlete's level of performance. Thus, theathlete would be less likely to consume energy drinks/sport drinks inlieu of eating a quick and convenient meal fortified with the desirednutrients.

Various embodiments provide a collapsible pouch with a push-pull capthat may be easily opened with only one hand and/or teeth by an athleteprior to, during or following a performance. The collapsible pouch cansystematically contain a combination of selected and/or customizedpureed foods (e.g., organic fruits, vegetables, mashed potatoes) andselected and/or customized enhancements (e.g., vitamins; energy boosts;electrolytes; caffeine), in some embodiments. An athlete, such as acyclist on a 6-8 hour ride or a marathon runner having reached milefifteen, is able to easily open the push-pull cap (as well as easilyclose) and eat the pureed food without inhibiting or stopping hisperformance. In this way, an athlete may receive a heightened quality ofnutritive meal replacements, while reducing and/or eliminating thedisruption to his performance caused by eating and drinking traditionalenergy supplements packaged in the traditional manner. While referenceto embodiments is described in terms of an athlete and his/herperformance, it should be appreciated that anyone may benefit from theuse of embodiments, since they provide a healthy meal alternativeregardless of the user's status (e.g., athlete or non-athlete).

Below, embodiments for dispensing a nutritive source are discussed,including the following: 1) a system for dispensing a nutritive source;2) a device for dispensing a nutritive source, including a push-pullcap; and 3) a system for dispensing a nutritive source, including aculinary mix dispenser; and 4) a method of manufacturing a system fordispensing a nutritive source.

1) Example System for Dispensing a Nutritive Source

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view showing a system 100 for dispensing anutritive source. The system 100 includes a culinary mix 105 (shownwithin the collapsible pouch 110), a collapsible pouch 110 configuredfor holding the culinary mix 105 and a push-pull cap 120 configured forbeing coupled with the collapsible pouch 110. The collapsible pouch 110may collapse to become compressed to a smaller size. In someembodiments, the collapsible pouch 110 is of a kind of pouch known inthe art and produced, in various forms, by, for example, Cheer PackNorth America (headquartered in West Bridgewater, Mass.). The culinarymix 105 includes a blended food. The push-pull cap 120 is configuredsuch that it may receive and dispense the culinary mix 105 upon thereceipt of a squeeze to the collapsible pouch 110. The collapsible pouch110, in various embodiments, is fillable during the manufacturing of thesystem 100, and in other embodiments, is fillable post-manufacturing ofthe system 100, thus enabling the customization of a nutritive sourcefor dispensation.

In various embodiments, the culinary mix 105 includes any of thefollowing: one or more grain; one or more fruit; one or more vegetable;one or more dairy product; one or more type of meat; and one or moredessert. The culinary mix 105, in various embodiments, combines food tocreate the flavor of a meal. For example, meals tasting like aThanksgiving dinner may be created in various packages. One collapsiblepouch may contain a culinary mix resembling and having the flavor ofturkey and stuffing, while another collapsible pouch may contain aculinary mix resembling and having the flavor of yams and marshmallows.Each collapsible pouch may contain a different culinary mix thatresembles and/or tastes like a particular type of meal, food group, orsingular food item. The blended food of the culinary mix 105, in oneembodiment, includes a thick liquid suspension of food that is finelyground, such as pureed food. In another embodiment, the blended foodincluded the thick liquid suspension of food, along with at least oneedible piece of food that is in a different stated from a larger statethan the state of the thick liquid suspension of the food that is finelyground. In other words, in one embodiment, the blended food includes,not only pureed food that is finely ground, but at least one food bitthat is larger than the general size of any of the pureed foodparticles. Thus, in one embodiment, the blended food may contain what isa thick liquid suspension of finely ground mash potatoes and gravy.However, in another embodiment, the blended food may contain not onlywhat is a thick liquid suspension of finely ground mash potatoes andgravy, but also bits of peas or whole peas floating within thesuspension. Each of the bits of peas is larger than any particle of thethick liquid suspension of the finely ground mash potatoes and gravy.

In further embodiments, the culinary mix 105 includes edibleenhancements, such as, but not limited to: a set of vitamins; a set ofminerals; a set of herbs; electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium,calcium, magnesium); caffeine; carbohydrates; guarana; taurine;medicine; food flavoring; food coloring; food preservatives; andalcohol. Referring to the aforementioned “set” of vitamins, mineral andherbs, a “set” refers to one or more of the object under consideration(e.g., a set of vitamins is equal to one or more vitamins). In variousembodiments, enhancements are ground up into a texture that is easilydigestible and/or drinkable by a human. It should be appreciated thatenhancements may be any object that is edible.

Further, in one embodiment, the system 100 includes the collapsiblepouch 110 that is filled with the culinary mix 105 at the time ofmanufacture. However, another embodiment provides for a system, thatfurther includes a culinary mix dispenser (see FIGS. 6 and 7 and relateddiscussion below), in which the culinary mix dispenser is used fill thecollapsible pouch 110 with the culinary mix (by a person, for example)after the manufacturing of the system 100.

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view showing a collapsible pouch 200(currently being used in the market place) with a traditional cap 210,such as that produced by Cheer Pack North America, screwed onto the neck205 of the straw 230 of the collapsible pouch 200. Of note, the straw230 is partially internal to the collapsible pouch 200 and includes theneck 205. FIG. 2B is a side perspective view showing the collapsiblepouch 200 with a push-pull cap 225 screwed onto the neck 205 of thestraw 230, in accordance with embodiments. The traditional cap 210 thatfits onto the collapsible pouch 200 requires two hands to attach orremove. In this example, the traditional cap 210 requires two hands toscrew and unscrew the cap 210 from the collapsible pouch 200. Further,problems ensue for athletes during their performance, or non-athletes,when they try to remove, hold or maintain the whereabouts of thetraditional cap 210 while eating/drinking the food contained within thecollapsible pouch onto which the traditional cap 210 was threaded.Embodiments provide for a push-pull converter cap 225 made to fit thedimensions of the neck 205 of the straw 230 of the collapsible pouch 200such that the push-pull converter cap 225 may be threaded onto the neck205. Thus, the push-pull cap 225 may be used with the traditionalcollapsible pouch 200, in accordance with some embodiments. Thepush-pull cap 225, as will be described herein, in some embodiments,includes filter passageways disposed between plunger braces (see FIGS.5A and 5B and discussion below) that facilitate the more rapiddispensation of the culinary mix through the push-pull cap 225.

FIG. 2C is a side perspective view showing a push-pull cap 240 breakablysealed, via a seal 245, onto a straw 255 (e.g., the neck 235 of thestraw 255) of a collapsible pouch 200, in accordance with embodiments.The seal 245 represents any means of sealing the push-pull cap 240 tothe straw 255 that is known in the art. For example, the seal 245 may bemade of breakable plastic such that when a user pulls the push-pull cap240 open, the force being exerted breaks the seal 245. A seal 245 thatis intact (i.e., unbroken) indicates that the collapsible pouch 200 hasnot been opened. However, a seal 245 that is broken indicates that thecollapsible pouch 200 has possibly been opened or has been opened.

As will be explained herein, the push-pull cap is coupled with thecollapsible pouch through a variety of means. In various embodiments,the push-pull cap may be screwed onto the collapsible pouch, snappedonto the collapsible pouch, or any combination thereof.

Example Device for Dispensing a Nutritive Source

With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A and 5B, a device fordispensing a nutritive source will be described below, in accordancewith embodiments. The device for dispensing a nutritive source, inaccordance with embodiments, includes a push-pull cap. FIG. 3Aintroduces components of the collapsible pouch 300, onto which thepush-pull cap is attached (e.g., threaded, snapped-on), according toembodiments. FIG. 3B introduces components of the push-pull cap 340 incooperation with the straw 335 (including the neck 305 of the straw335), of the collapsible pouch 300.

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view showing a collapsible pouch 300 witha straw 335, including a neck 305 of the straw 335, in accordance withembodiments. In one embodiment, the straw 335 has a first end opening330 which opens to the internal portion of the collapsible pouch 300 anda second end opening 325 which opens to the neck 305 of the straw 335.In various embodiments, the straw 335 also has a third end opening 390.When the push-pull cap 340 is in the open position, the third endopening 390 opens to the inner piece 360, the dispensation passageway405 (discussed below with reference to FIG. 4) and the environmentexternal to the push-pull cap 340. In one embodiment, the push-pull cap340 is attached to a portion of the straw 335 that is disposed at leastpartially within the collapsible pouch 300.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of the neck 305 of the straw 335includes threads 320 disposed thereon.

In one embodiment, a straw (not shown in figures) is disposed entirelywithin the collapsible pouch 300, and the push-pull cap is configured toattach to this straw. Access to the internal passageway formed by thestraw (that is positioned such that the straw is entirely disposedwithin the collapsible pouch 300) is where it is closest to the edge ofthe collapsible pouch 300. In various embodiments in which the straw isentirely disposed within the collapsible pouch 300, the straw does nothave a second end opening 325; it has a first end opening 330 and thethird end opening 390. In these embodiments, the third end opening 390is that opening which is closest to the edge of the collapsible pouch300 and provides access to the internal passageway formed by the straw.In one embodiment, the inner surface of the straw 335 includes threadsdisposed thereon.

FIG. 3B is a side sectional view showing a collapsible pouch 300 with astraw 335, including a neck 305 of the straw 335, wherein the push-pullcap 340 is in a closed position, in accordance with embodiments. Thepush-pull cap 340 is configured for being attaches onto a portion of thestraw 335 that is disposed at least partially within the collapsiblepouch 300. In other words, the push-pull cap 340 may be attached to thestraw 335 and removed from the straw 335.

The push-pull cap 340 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.While FIGS. 3A-3C show sets of threads 320 and 380 disposed on the straw335 and the inner piece 360, respectively, it should be appreciated thatthe push-pull cap 340 and the straw 335, in various embodiments and aswill discussed herein, do not have sets of threads thereon, but haveinstead other attachment mechanisms configured for attaching to eachother.

With reference still to FIGS. 3A-3D, the push-pull cap 340 includes: aninner piece 360; and an outer piece 350. The inner piece 360 includes aninner piece attachment mechanism disposed thereon and an outer surface375. The attachment mechanism of the inner piece 360 enables the innerpiece 360 to attach to the straw 335 via attaching to a straw attachmentmechanism disposed on the straw 335. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, in oneembodiment, the inner piece attachment mechanism is a set of threads 380and the straw attachment mechanism is also a set of threads 320. Itshould be appreciated that the straw attachment mechanism may include aset of teeth 315 (see FIG. 3C), as will be discussed below. Thus, itshould be appreciated that the push-pull cap 340 may be attached to thestraw 335 coupled to the collapsible pouch 300 in any way that enablesfluid and food communication between the collapsible pouch 300 and thepush-pull cap 340. Of note and as is indicated herein, it should beappreciated that the inner piece attachment mechanism and the strawattachment mechanism may be disposed on the inner or outer surfaces ofthe inner piece 360 and the straw 335 to accommodate various embodimentsof such attachments.

In one embodiment, the push-pull cap 340 is configured for beingremovably screwed onto a portion of the straw 335. In other words, thepush-pull cap 340 may be screwed onto the straw 335 and unscrewed andtaken off of the straw 335, via the set of threads 380 disposed on theinner piece 360 and the set of threads 320 disposed on the straw 335.For example, in one embodiment, the set of threads 380 are disposed onthe inner surface 370 of the inner piece 360, and the set of threads 320are disposed on the outer surface of the neck 305 of the straw 335. Thesets of threads 380 and 320 engage with each other, enabling the innerpiece 360 and the straw 335 to become attached to each other.

The inner piece 360 is configured for receiving a culinary mix(including blended food) from the collapsible pouch 300 when thecollapsible pouch 300 is squeezed, by, for example, a user of thecollapsible pouch 300. The inner piece 360 includes: an inner surface370; and an outer surface 375.

FIG. 3C is a side sectional view showing a push-pull cap 340 and acollapsible pouch 300 with a straw 335, in accordance with anembodiment. In FIG. 3C, the inner piece 360 includes a set of threads380 and teeth 385. The inner piece 360 is enabled to couple with thecollapsible pouch 300 upon the application of the set of threads 380 andthe teeth 385 that are disposed on the inner surface of the inner piece360 to the set of threads disposed on the outer surface (not shown) ofthe straw 335. Though not shown in FIG. 3C, in this embodiment, thestraw 335 extends above and beyond the edge of the collapsible pouch300. Thus, the inner piece attachment mechanism (e.g., combination of aset of threads 380 and the teeth 385) disposed on the inner surface ofthe inner piece 360 attaches to the straw attachment mechanism (e.g.,set of threads [not shown]). It should be appreciated that the innerpiece attachment mechanism may be a set of threads and/or teeth, whilethe straw attachment mechanism may also be a set of threads and/orteeth.

The teeth 385 are projections positioned on various portions of theinner piece and/or straw as described herein. In one embodiment, the setof threads 380 of the inner piece 360 and the teeth 385 are juxtaposedsuch that the teeth 385 and the set of threads 380 to slide over thestraw 335 in one direction (e.g., while a user twists the push-pull cap340 onto the straw 335), but the teeth 385 prevent the set of threads380 from unscrewing in the opposite direction (e.g., while a userattempts to untwist the push-pull cap 340). For example, in oneembodiment, the user is able to twist the push-pull cap 340 onto thestraw 335; however, the teeth 385 are configured to prevent theuntwisting of the push-pull cap 340 off of the straw 335. Thus, thepush-pull cap 340, according to this embodiment, once twisted onto thestraw 335, may not be twisted off. The teeth 385, in one embodiment, areslanted at less than a ninety degree angle in one direction, while beingpositioned in parallel and in line with the set of threads 380 of theinner piece 360 such that the teeth 385 and a portion of the set ofthreads 380 touch each other when the push-pull cap 340 is twisted ontothe straw 335. It should be appreciated, however, that the teeth 385 maybe configured in any arrangement (e.g., size, direction, positioningrelative to each other) such that the push-pull cap 340 may be twistedand thereby become attached to the straw 335, while also being unable tobe removed through a twisting motion in the opposite direction (fromthat motion which twisted the push-pull cap 340 onto the straw 335).

While not shown in FIG. 3C, another embodiment enables the push-pull cap340 to couple with the collapsible pouch 300 upon the application of theset of threads and/or teeth (i.e., inner piece attachment mechanism)that are disposed on the outer surface of the inner piece 360 to the setof threads and/or teeth (i.e., straw attachment mechanism) that aredisposed on the inner surface of the straw 335.

While also not shown in FIG. 3C, in yet another embodiment, the portionof the straw 335 that is internal to the collapsible pouch 300 mayinclude a set of threads and/or teeth on its inner surface that iscapable of cooperating with a set of threads and/or teeth disposed onthe outer surface of the inner piece 360 in order to attach the innerpiece 360 to the straw 335.

FIG. 3D is a side sectional view showing a collapsible pouch 300 with astraw 335, in accordance with an embodiment. In FIG. 3D, the inner piece360 couples with the collapsible pouch 300 upon an application of asafety band 395 to the outer surface of the straw 335, such that thesafety band 395 retains the inner piece 360 in an attached position tothe straw 335. It should be appreciated that the safety band 395 may beany mechanism that retainably holds a portion of the push-pull cap 340to the straw 335 attached to the collapsible pouch 300. The safety band395, once applied to the outside of the straw 335, retains the push-pullcap 340 in its place adjacent to the neck 315 of the straw 335 such thatthe push-pull cap 340, upon an opening and closing motion, does not movesuch that it separates from the collapsible pouch 300.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer piece 350 is coupled tothe inner piece 360. The outer piece 350 is axially slidably engagedwith an outer diameter of the inner piece 360. The outer piece 350 isconfigured for, upon sliding over an outer surface 375 of the innerpiece 360, enabling the push-pull cap 340 to achieve one of an openposition and a closed position (i.e., either an open position or aclosed position). When the collapsible pouch 300 is squeezed, by way ofthe push-pull cap 340 being in the open position, the push-pull cap 340enables a dispensation of the culinary mix through a dispensationpassageway (see FIG. 4) disposed at an upper end of the outer piece 350.It should be appreciated that the outer piece 350 may be engaged withthe outer diameter of the inner piece 360 through various mechanisms,according to various embodiments. These mechanisms for opening andclosing a push-pull cap include those mechanisms that are known in theart of push-pull caps.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a collapsible pouch with anattached neck, and a section view of a push-pull cap placed over theneck and in an open position, in accordance with embodiments. Of note,FIG. 4 shows the first end 430 and the second end 470 of the lower part420 of the inner piece 425, as well as the annular sidewall 475 thatcouples the first end 430 and the second end 470 together. FIG. 4 alsoshows the lower neck 480 and upper neck 465 of the straw 455. FIG. 4shows the flow 445 of the culinary mix 450 from the collapsible pouch400 to the dispensation passageway 405, in accordance with embodiments.As shown, upon the collapsible pouch 400 being squeezed, the culinarymix 450 moves from the body 460 of the collapsible pouch 400, throughthe straw 455 and the lower neck 480 and the upper neck 465 of the straw455. The culinary mix 450 then moves through the filter passageways525A, 525B and 525C (hereinafter, “filter passageway 525” unlessspecifically noted otherwise) (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) to the dispensationpassageway 405.

FIG. 3B shows the push-pull cap 340 in the closed position, while FIG. 4shows the push-pull cap 440 in the open position. With reference to bothFIGS. 3B and 4, when in the closed position, the dispensation passageway405 has been moved, such that the upper part 345 (upper part 415 of FIG.4) is positioned within the dispensation passageway 405 (not labeled inFIG. 3B), thereby blocking any flow of the received culinary mix frommoving out of the push-pull cap 340. However, when the push-pull cap 440is in the open position, the flow 445 of the culinary mix 450 can movethrough push-pull cap 440 and out the dispensation passageway 405.

FIG. 5A is a side sectional view showing an inner piece 500 of apush-pull cap, in accordance with embodiments. FIG. 5B is a topperspective view showing an inner piece 500 of a push-pull cap, inaccordance with embodiments. With reference not to both FIGS. 5A and 5B,an inner piece 500 is shown that includes an annular lower part 510 andan annular upper part 505 coupled to the annular lower part 510. Theannular lower part 510 includes: a first end 540; a second end 545positioned opposite the first end 540; and an annular sidewall 550coupling the first end 540 and the second end 545. The annular sidewall550 includes the inner piece attachment mechanism (discussed above)(e.g., set of threads 515 disposed on the inner surface of the innerpiece 500). In one embodiment, the annular lower part 510 includes a setof threads 515 disposed on the inner surface of the annular lower part510. Further, The annular upper part 505 is coupled to the annular lowerpart 510 via at least two plunger braces 520A, 520B and 520C(hereinafter, “plunger brace 520” unless specifically noted otherwise)having filter passageways 525A, 525B and 525C (hereinafter, “filterpassageway 525” unless specifically noted otherwise) disposed therebetween such that the received culinary mix is enabled to flow therethrough when the push-pull cap is in an open position. The annular upperpart 505 is solid and does not allow any type of particles to flow therethrough. Further, the annular upper part 505 has a diameter 530 that issmaller than the diameter 535 of the annular lower part 510. Thedifference 570 between the diameter 530 of the annular upper part 505and the diameter 535 of the annular lower part 510 represents the outermost width of the filter passageway 525. The smaller the diameter of theannular upper part 505, the greater the difference 570, the more food isable to flow through the filter passageways 525. Additionally, thesmaller the number of plunger braces 520, the greater the area of thefilter passageways 525, the more food is able to flow through the filterpassageways 525.

In one embodiment and as described herein already, the culinary mixfurther includes at least one enhancement of the enhancements describedherein.

Example System for Dispensing a Nutritive Source, Including a CulinaryMix Package Dispenser

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view showing a collapsible pouch 600(having the same properties as the collapsible pouch 300 and 400 shownin FIGS. 3A-4) and a culinary mix dispenser 700 for delivering (as shownby arrows 625) a culinary mix 735 (of FIG. 7) into the collapsible pouch600 via the neck 615 coupled to the collapsible pouch 600, in accordancewith embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view showing a culinary mix dispenser 700,in accordance with embodiments. In one embodiment, a culinary mixdispenser 700 includes: a collapsible body 710 configured for holdingthe culinary mix 735; a delivery system 705 coupled to the collapsiblebody 710; and a removable cap 715 configured for sealing the deliverysystem 705. The delivering system 705 includes a dispensing means 725configured for dispensing the culinary mix 735 into the collapsiblepouch 600 (of FIG. 6). The dispensing means 725, is any means thatcouples with the collapsible body 710 and is capable of dispensing theculinary mix 735 into the collapsible pouch 600. For example, theculinary mix dispenser 700 may have a funnel-shaped end that operates asthe dispensing means 725. The funnel-shaped end may be long and skinnyto accommodate placing the funnel-shaped end into the neck 615 of thecollapsible pouch 600 in order to dispense the culinary mix 735. Ofnote, the cap 715 may be of any structure and design that is able toremovably seal the dispensing means 725.

In one embodiment, the delivery system 705 further includes a receivingmeans 730 configured for receiving at least one enhancement (asdescribed herein). In one embodiment, the receiving means 730 is a setof threads atop the collapsible body 710, upon which the dispensingmeans 725 is threaded, thereby coupling the dispensing means 725 withthe collapsible body 710. The dispensing means 725 may be unscrewed fromthe receiving means 730. Once unscrewed, the dispensing means 725 may beremoved, leaving an opening into the collapsible body 710. At least oneenhancement may be added to the culinary mix 735 stored within thecollapsible body 710. Once added, the dispensing means 725 may bescrewed back onto the collapsible body 710 via threading the set ofthreads of the dispensing means 725 to the set of threads on thereceiving means 730. After the dispensing means 725 is coupled to thereceiving means 730, the collapsible body 710 may be squeezed repeatedlysuch that the enhancement(s) added to the culinary mix 735 may beintegrated therein (by a modified churning action caused by repeatedsqueezing of the collapsible body 710). After the enhancement(s) areintegrated within the culinary mix 735, the tip end of the dispensingmeans 725 may be placed into the neck 615 of the collapsible pouch 600such that the culinary mix 735 may be squeezed into the collapsiblepouch 600 (wherein the dispensing means 725 acts as a funnel for guidingthe culinary mix 735 into the collapsible pouch 600).

In various embodiments, the culinary mixes are produced and presented inindividual packets. For example, but not limited to such example, thefollowing culinary mix packets may be available for use: spaghetti andmeatballs; meatloaf; mashed potatoes and gravy; clam chowder; apple pie;spaghetti, meatballs and caffeine; meatloaf and medicine; mashedpotatoes and gravy and vitamins; clam chowder and alcohol; and applepie, vitamins and medicine. In another embodiment, the system furtherincludes an enhancement packet configured for storing at least oneenhancement. For example, but not limited to such example, the followingenhancement packets may be available to a user: caffeine; vitamin pack;vitamin and crushed Tylenol; alcohol; caffeine and medicine; and a sugarboost.

Example Method for Manufacturing a System for Dispensing a NutritiveSource

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 for manufacturing a system fordispensing a nutritive source, in accordance with embodiments. It shouldbe appreciated that the steps discussed with reference to the method 800may be performed in an order different from that which appears in FIG.8. For example, and not limited to such example, step 810 may beperformed before step 805. With reference to FIG. 8, the method 800 formanufacturing a system for dispensing a nutritive source, in oneembodiment, includes at step 805, providing a culinary mix that includesthe blended food discussed herein.

In one embodiment, the method 800 further comprises at step 810,providing, as described herein, the collapsible pouch discussed herein(e.g., collapsible pouch 300, 400 and 600) configured for holding theculinary mix.

In one embodiment, the method 800 further comprises at step 815,providing, as described herein, the push-pull cap configured for beingattached to a portion of a straw disposed at least partially within thecollapsible pouch.

In one embodiment, the method 800 further includes at step 820, filling,as described herein, the collapsible pouch with the culinary mix. Itshould be appreciated that the collapsible pouch may be filled duringthe manufacture or post-manufacture of the system for dispensing anutritive source.

In one embodiment, the method 800 further includes at step 825,providing, as described herein, a culinary mix dispenser that includes:a collapsible body configured for holding the culinary mix; a deliverysystem coupled to the collapsible body; and a removable cap configuredfor sealing the delivery system. The delivery system includes adispensing means configured for dispensing the culinary mix into thecollapsible pouch. In one embodiment, the delivery system furtherincludes a receiving means configured for receiving at least oneenhancement.

Push-Pull Cap with Flow Chamber and Straw Seat

FIGS. 9 and 10 show components of a two-piece sliding cap, generallyreferred to as a sport cap, developed for use with a product having aviscosity thicker than water, such as pureed fruits, vegetables, grainsor other food products. When attached to a container, or in this case,attached to what is commonly referred to as a “straw,” it will allow theproduct to easily flow from the container when in an open position andcreates an air-tight seal when in the closed position.

The cap consists of two pieces, an inner piece body 6, as shown in FIG.10 and an outer piece C, as shown in FIG. 9. The outer piece C and innerpiece 6 are configured such that the outer piece C couples with theinner piece 6 to form a push pull cap. The outer piece C also includesan outer piece opening A formed such that the plunger 2 fits within theouter piece opening A.

When assembled together, the inner piece 6 fits inside of the outerpiece C, whereas the inside diameter of the outer piece C of FIG. 9,known as the inner piece cavity D is approximately the same size as theouter diameter of the inner piece 6.

When in a closed position, the outer piece C slides all the way downonto the inner piece 6 until the inner piece stop B stops motion. Whenin this closed position, the plunger 2 fits into the outer piece openingA and keeps product from flowing out.

When in an open position, the outer piece C slides up and will allowproduct to flow through the straw into a flow chamber 9 past the plungerbraces 1 and plunger 2 and out through the outer piece opening A.

Regulating how far the outer piece C can slide in the open and closedposition is the slide ring E, slide ring crease 4, as well as the upperstop 3 and lower stop 5 of the slide ring. When lifted or pulled in theopen position, the outer piece C will slide apart from the inner piece 6and the ring 5 will move to the top of the slide ring crease 4 and stoponce it hits the upper stop 3. When in the closed position, the slidering 5 will move down the slide ring crease 4 and seat against the lowerstop 5.

The conical flow chamber 9 was created by increasing the distancebetween the end of the straw and the plunger 2 and plunger braces 1.Doing so allows room for thick items to more easily flow from thecontainer through the outer piece opening A. If the straw was placedflush against the plunger and braces, there would be very little roomfor product to flow through the cap, especially a product of a thicknature.

With regard to the straw and forming an air-tight seal, the openingwhere the product flows out of the straw and into the inner piece isslightly smaller in diameter than that of the straw cavity 7. Thisallows the straw to seat 10 against the bottom of the flow chamber (9)and create an air-tight seal at straw seat 10.

The entire cap is held into place by the locking ring 8 that comprisesof teeth pointed in one direction which allows the cap to be screwedonto the straw, but will not allow the cap to be unscrewed.

All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments ofthe technology as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future,i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardlessof structure. The scope of the present technology, therefore, is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein.Rather, the scope and spirit of present technology is embodied by theappended claims.

What we claim is:
 1. A system for dispensing a nutritive source, saidsystem comprising: a collapsible pouch configured for holding a culinarymix; and a push-pull cap comprising a flow chamber disposed between saidcollapsible pouch and an opening of said push-pull cap and configuredfor being coupled with said collapsible pouch, and when said collapsiblepouch is squeezed, said flow chamber for receiving said culinary mixfrom said collapsible pouch and for dispensing the received culinarymix.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said blended food comprises: athick liquid suspension of food that is finely ground.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein said blended food further comprises: at least oneedible piece of food being of a different state from and a larger statethan a state of said thick liquid suspension of food that is said finelyground.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said push-pull cap is furtherconfigured for being removably coupled with said collapsible pouch. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein said push-pull cap is breakably sealedonto a portion of a straw that is disposed at least partially withinsaid collapsible pouch.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said culinarymix further comprises: at least one enhancement.
 7. The system of claim6, wherein said at least one enhancement comprises any of the followingenhancements: a set of vitamins; a set of herbs; medicine; electrolytes;and caffeine.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein said at least oneenhancement is ground up.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein saidculinary mix comprises: a combination of at least two different fooditems.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises:at least one enhancement packet configured for storing at least oneenhancement.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said flow chamber ofsaid push-pull cap comprises a straw seat that seals a straw opening ofsaid collapsible pouch.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein said systemfurther comprises: a sealing member for sealing said flow chamber. 13.The system of claim 11, further comprising: an enhancement packetconfigured for storing at least one enhancement.
 14. A device fordispensing a nutritive source, said device comprising: a push-pull capcomprising a flow chamber and a straw seat and configured for beingattached to a portion of a straw disposed at least partially within acollapsible pouch, said push-pull cap comprising: an inner piececontaining said flow chamber and configured for receiving a culinary mixfrom said collapsible pouch when said collapsible pouch is squeezed,wherein said culinary mix comprises a blended food; an outer pieceaxially slidably engaged with an outer diameter of said inner piece,said outer piece configured for, upon sliding over said outer surface ofsaid inner piece, enabling said push-pull cap to achieve one of an openposition and a closed position, wherein when said collapsible pouch issqueezed said open position enables a dispensation of received culinarymix through a dispensation passageway disposed at an upper end of saidouter piece.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said push-pull cap isfurther configured for being removably attached to said portion of saidstraw.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein said blended food comprises:a thick liquid suspension of food that is finely ground.
 17. The deviceof claim 16, wherein said blended food further comprises: at least oneedible piece of food being of a different state from and a larger statethan a state of said thick liquid suspension of food that is said finelyground.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein said inner piece attachmentmechanism comprises: a first set of threads disposed on an inner surfaceof said inner piece, and wherein said straw attachment mechanismcomprises a second set of threads disposed on an outer surface of saidportion of said straw, wherein said portion of said straw is positionedexternal to said collapsible pouch.
 19. The device of claim 14, whereinsaid inner piece comprises: an annular lower part comprising: a firstend; a second end positioned opposite said first end; and an annularsidewall coupling said first end and said second end, said annularsidewall comprising said inner piece attachment mechanism; and anannular upper part coupled to said annular lower part via at least twoplunger braces having filter passageways disposed there between suchthat said received culinary mix is enabled to flow there through whensaid push-pull cap is in said open position, said annular upper partcomprising: an inner diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter ofsaid annular lower part.
 20. The device of claim 14, wherein saidculinary mix further comprises: at least one enhancement.
 21. A methodfor manufacturing a system for dispensing a nutritive source, saidmethod comprising: providing a push-pull cap configured for beingattached to a portion of a straw disposed at least partially within acollapsible pouch, said push-pull cap comprising: an inner piececomprising a straw seat and a flow chamber configured for receiving aculinary mix from said collapsible pouch when said collapsible pouch issqueezed, said inner piece comprising: an inner piece attachmentmechanism disposed thereon, said inner piece configured for couplingwith said collapsible pouch upon application of said inner pieceattachment mechanism to a straw attachment mechanism disposed on saidportion of said straw; and an outer surface; and an outer piece axiallyslidably engaged with an outer diameter of said inner piece, said outerpiece configured for, upon sliding over said outer surface of said innerpiece, enabling said push-pull cap to achieve one of an open positionand a closed position, wherein when said collapsible pouch is squeezedsaid open position enables a dispensation of received culinary mixthrough a dispensation passageway disposed at an upper end of said outerpiece.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: filling saidcollapsible pouch with said culinary mix.
 23. The method of claim 21,wherein said culinary mix further comprises: at least one enhancement.24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: providing a culinary mixdispenser comprising: a collapsible body configured for holding saidculinary mix; a delivery system coupled to said collapsible body, saiddelivery system comprising: a dispensing means configured for dispensingsaid culinary mix into said collapsible pouch; and a removable capconfigured for sealing said delivery system.
 25. A push-pull capconfigured for being attached to a portion of a straw disposed at leastpartially within a collapsible pouch, said push-pull cap comprising: aninner piece comprising a straw seat configured to seal with said strawand a flow chamber configured for receiving a culinary mix from saidcollapsible pouch when said collapsible pouch is squeezed; and an outerpiece axially slidably engaged with an outer diameter of said innerpiece, said outer piece configured for, upon sliding over said outersurface of said inner piece, enabling said push-pull cap to achieve oneof an open position and a closed position, wherein when said collapsiblepouch is squeezed said open position enables a dispensation of receivedculinary mix through said flow chamber and a dispensation passagewaydisposed at an upper end of said outer piece.